Mutant/mutation
In the mutant the endogenous P. berghei trap gene is replaced by the trap gene of P. vivax (PVX_082735). P. vivax trap is under control of the P. berghei trap regulatory sequences.

Protein (function)
TRAP is a type 1 transmembrane protein, containing two adhesive domains in its extracellular portion, an A-domain of von Willebrand factor and a thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR, TSP). TRAP is located in the micronemes of sporozoites. The protein plays a role in the gliding motility of sporozoites and invasion of host cells as has been shown by analysis of mutant parasites lacking expression of TRAP

Phenotype
The phenotype analyses indicate that the TRAP protein of P. vivax can  complement the activity of the endogenous P. berghei TRAP protein.

Additional information
In the paper the development of new recombinant ChAd63 and MVA vectors expressing P. vivax TRAP (PvTRAP) is described that show ability to induce high antibody titers and T cell responses in mice. In addition,  a novel way of assessing the efficacy of new candidate vaccines against P. vivax is reported using a fully infectious transgenic P. berghei parasite expressing P. vivax TRAP to allow studies of vaccine efficacy and protective mechanisms in rodents. Using this model, it is found that both CD8+ T cells and antibodies mediated protection against malaria using virus-vectored vaccines.

Other mutants